Matthew Wade's current predicament just about sums up Australia's Test side at the moment.

A wicketkeeper-batsman with immense promise, Wade seemed to be perennially stuck in line behind Brad Haddin and former schoolmate Tim Paine in the Aussie gloveman pecking order.

But a long-term injury to Paine, and a family illness for Haddin saw Wade get his shot at Test cricket against West Indies in April 2012.

The 25-year-old grabbed the opportunity with, ahem, both gloves, being solid behind the stumps and hitting his maiden Test ton in just his third appearance in the baggy green.

But Wade's honeymoon period did not last long, as some dodgy form with the gloves against South Africa and Sri Lanka had many in the media, including legendary former 'keeper Ian Healy, calling for his head.

More mistakes on the tour of India, combined with a resurgence in form for Haddin, saw Wade unceremoniously dumped for the Ashes.

However, there could be a silver lining, with Wade still included in the squad and hoping to force his way into the side as a specialist batsman.

This may not be such a far-fetched idea. After all, this is the man became the first Australian wicketkeeper to bowl in a Test match in 29 years when he rolled his arm over against Sri Lanka last December.

But for now, Wade's career faces the same uncertainty that has seemingly plagued most of his team-mates.